Huntsville gazette., 1887-10-22
DOWN IN DIXIE.
The Presidential Party at the Capital OF
Tennessee Enthusiastic Reception by
Vast Throngs of PeopIe-The Presidents
Reply 10 tie official Welcome.

Tho Presidential Party at the Capital of
Tennessee - Enthusiastic Reception by
Vast Throngs of People-The Presidents
Reply 10 the official Welcome.
NASHVILLE, Tenn, Oct. 1.-THE day
broke bright and cheerful, but before the
arrival of the President and Mrs Cleve-
land in he city, heavy clouds had gath
cred in the heavens But the intervals OF
sunshine were sufficient 10 warrant the
announcement of a continuation or
"CleYe!and weather. Every train that
arrived last night was crowded, and from
dark until dawn the rumble of wagons
laden with people from the surrounding
districts disturbed the stiffness OF the
night. Many who came in on the trains
last night We're unable to secure lodging.
even q cot in the hotels or boarding
houses, and frequent applications were
made at private residences for the privilege
of spending the night, safely housed from
the chilly air, while quite number were
forced to walk the streets.
The presidential special was run out to
Belle Meade early this morning to bring
the party into the city.
Upon the arrival of the President and
his companions at the West Side park
carriages We're taken Tor drive through
the principal streets. and finally to the
east front OF the Capitol. The President
and Mrs. Cleveland were yociferousty
cheered over the entire route.
When the Capitol was reached. brief
speeches of welcome and presentations
were made by Governor r. L. Taylor,
Mayor Kercheval and Chairman A. S.
Colyer The immense crowd surrounding
the Capitol grew very demon strative dur
ing the delivery of the speeches, and ap-
plauded to the echo every allusion of the
speakers to the President.
In reply to the eloquent words Of well
come uttered by the above-named gentle
men, President Cleveland spoke as fol-
lows:
regret that my stay today at the capital OF
Tennessee must necessarily be 50 brief as to
curtail a coveted opportunity to see more at
leisure OF this handsome city and its hospitable
people. Nashville's beautiful location, the
fertility OF its surrounding country, and the
wealth Of the mineral res urces in its immediate
neighborhood gave early promise OF its mate
rial growth and greatness. The variety and
perfection of the agricultural products of your
region, your extensive business, and your su-
perior horses and live stock of every
description, demonstrate that your ad-
vantages have not been neglected,
while your mineral riches, which are not yet
fully developed, assure additional prosperityin
the future. do not propose to dwell upon the
details Of your present commanding position
among the cities of the South. only mention
that the activity and enterprise OF your people
has placed Nashville among the largest centers
of trade and merchandise south of the Ohio
river, and in some departments near the head
Of all cities Of the land. 1t happened that early
in your municipal life your citizens saw and APP
preciated the advantages of education, refine
ment and culture, and this, as your city grew,
became entwined in its growth, and
spread abroad their branches until this is de-
servedly known as the Athens of the South. The
number Of your colleges and universities, and
the institutions OF learning OF every kind To-
Gated in the midst of your activities, where all,
whether white or black may fit themselves for
usefulness and the best citizenship make sure
of your possession OF the title you have earned.
1t is not an unimportant fact that your city is
the headquarters, so to speak, of Southern
Methodism, the home of two of its bishops, and
the place OF the collection and distribution OF
its literature.
Nashville and her vicinity has furnished two
successful candidates for the presidency. To
the grave Of Andrew Jackson millions Of your
countrymen turn with reverent enthusiasm,
and you are fortunate in numbering among
your residents the loved and honored widow Of
cur eleventh president. You have also fur.
nished from your neighborhood, I think, five
members of Presidential cabinets nine United
States Senators, two Speakers Of the House OF
Representatives and one Justice OF the United
States Supreme Court. With such history
ana with such examples the State OF
Tennessee and its capital have
been brought into intimate relations
with the operation of the Federal Government,
and may well claim large share in its glory
and benefcent results. The influence Of the
sentiment engendered by these relations and
traditions quickly won back the citizens OF the
State and city to their old love for the Union
after sad interruption. and restored them to
the brotherhood in which they had found a no.
BILE and honorable career. In the years to come
am sure nothing but continued and increasing
growth and development await the people Of
Tennessee, constantly adding to the splendor
and importance of her capital city.
At the conclusion of the Presidents
speech, which was enthusiast tically re-
ceived, that gentleman was escorted to
the lower hallway Of the building. where
an hours reception was held for the pub
lie. OF course not all the crowd could
pass by him, and consequently there We're
many disappointed. While the President
was receiving the public. Mrs. Cleveland.
in charge of the ladies' committee, was
receiving her friends and admirers at the
Maxwell House.